Hoover washing machine E20 error code
What E20 means on a Hoover washing machine
Drain fault, usually a blocked filter or drain.
Meaning checked by NAC's engineers, 9 November 2026.
What our engineers say
On a Hoover washing machine, the E20 code means a drain fault: the machine cannot pump the water away, and it is usually down to a blocked filter or drain. You may find the machine has stopped part way through a cycle with water left in the drum, will not spin, or will not let you open the door. Now and then it shows alongside the electrics tripping.
Engineers sometimes find the filter clogged with coins, small clothing such as socks, fabric or even broken glass. Other times the blockage is further along, in the pump itself or in the hose that carries water away. They also sometimes find the drain pump has stuck or stopped working, or the waste hose has been squashed or pinched behind the machine.
An engineer will usually empty the water, check the filter, hoses and pump, and clear any blockage before running a test cycle to check it fills and drains properly. If the pump or waste hose needs replacing, the part often has to be ordered and fitted at a second visit.
Written by our engineers from NAC's own jobs.
Faults this code turns up with
What our engineers found and fixed for each, from NAC's own repair records, with Hoover's own figures where we have enough of them.
What we fixed. We'll add what our engineers found, the parts they fitted and what customers typically paid once enough of these repairs are confirmed. How we work out our figures.
Before you check anything yourself
- Switch the washing machine off and unplug it, or turn it off at the isolator switch, before you touch anything. Our guide to safely isolating an appliance walks you through it.
- An error code tells you where to look, not that it's safe to take the washing machine apart. Don't remove panels or covers to get at the parts it points to: that's an engineer's job.
- If it involves the mains supply, sealed parts, or you're not confident at any point, stop and book a qualified engineer rather than risk injury or further damage.
Rather leave it to us?
- Fixed-price quote before any work starts
- Same or next-day visits where available
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